In an abrupt closing, grace be with you [all], the apostle places Timothy and the entire community in God's loving care. As in the letter's opening greeting (1:2), grace signifies the whole of God's love and care for his people, coming to those who cannot earn it—an encouraging reminder that despite the awesome responsibility to pursue godliness in all parts of life, the Christian stands by grace alone. What Paul has said to Timothy and the Christian leaders he has said to all.

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